Everyday Spirituality

Does God give approval?

Working as a news reporter, it becomes obvious that some stories can almost paralyze readers. I too have been guilty of letting my thoughts become paralyzed, not only with a particular news event but also with beliefs. Time and effort is spent rehashing a belief and paralysis sets in.

Let’s take the belief of God’s disapproval. This belief can be paralyzing.

In my study of divine Science, I’m learning God doesn’t have the human trait of disapproving or approving. Divine Science interprets a God of Love and Truth, satisfied with its creation. When a mind approves of its manifestation, there is no room for disapproval.

Why do I humanly feel disapproval?

If I’m not treating others how I’d rather not be treated, I will feel disapproval, but it’s not from God, it’s from the behavior of not treating others as I’d like to be treated. Behavior counter to spiritual truth comes mixed with dissatisfaction.

If I treat others how I’d like to be treated, I feel approval.

Now, I wouldn’t go so far as to say there is some humanlike God giving approval, because God is divine Spirit, manifesting support, praise, and appreciation nonstop. When in line with God, the result is a feeling of approval to the human sense.

The result is freeing and encourages me to stop letting my thoughts become paralyzed. God is divine Mind, all-knowing, in agreement with every thought revealed.

I can reflect this spiritual truth, dismiss the paralyzing belief of approval and disapproval, and move on in life.

“And getting into a boat he crossed over and came to his own city. 2 And behold, some people brought to him a paralytic, lying on a bed. And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Take heart, my son; your sins are forgiven.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man is blaspheming.” 4 But Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he then said to the paralytic—“Rise, pick up your bed and go home.” 7 And he rose and went home. 8 When the crowds saw it, they were afraid, and they glorified God, who had given such authority to men.” (Matt. 9, English Standard Version)

A star gymnastFilm, The Gabby Douglas Story (2014), captured many of the emotions that surely were experienced before medals were earned at the 2008 Olympics. Gabby’s family, already at a level of impoverishment, sacrificed for Gabby Douglas to continue training. And, although tempted, Gabby didn’t give up.

Making the Bible practicalReading the Bible practically requires thought. This is different from reading the Bible emotionally or as if the words are what God said. The Bible isn’t a history book and God doesn’t speak human words. God is Spirit and communicates spiritually, mentally.
The David and Goliath story foun

Experience today's prayerMy husband just returned from a trip out west. In Seattle, Washington, he boarded an airplane after 6 a.m. and was in Albany, New York before 6 p.m. Seattle clock time was 3 p.m.
A nine hour trip that took him 3,000 miles. Doug went from sixty degrees Fahrenheit to one degree. From flowering rhod

Poetry and traditionAsh-Wednesday
by T S Eliot
Because I do not hope to turn again
Because I do not hope
Because I do not hope to turn
Desiring this man's gift and that man's scope
I no longer strive to strive towards such things
(Why should the aged eagle stretch its wings?)
Why should I mourn

The questionable big bangBible scholars recognize two distinct accounts of creation in Genesis. In the first chapter of Genesis through chapter 2:3, God renders the common noun, Elohim.
As for the second account, the beginning of human history, God renders Yahweh in the Hebrew.
For right reasoning, the two accounts ca